House Ethics Committee Investigates Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The House Ethics Committee announced Thursday it is reviewing allegations that Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment in violation of the Code of Official Conduct. The bipartisan panel, made up of five Republicans and five Democrats, said in a statement that the mere fact it is investigating and publicly disclosing the review does not indicate any violation has occurred.

The committee added it would make no further public comment except in accordance with its rules. Edwards welcomed the inquiry and said he plans to comply fully. He told one outlet he is confident the investigation will expose the facts rather than politically motivated fiction.

" — House Ethics Committee statement, May 14, 2026 (Washington Examiner) The review follows a news report that detailed text messages and conduct witnessed by multiple people toward two female staffers in their 20s. The sources, granted anonymity to protect against retaliation, said the behavior crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable work environment.

One set of text messages from May 2025 showed Edwards attempting to take a then-female staffer to dinner. After she replied it was not a good idea, he responded that it was disappointing to feel something that used to be easy has gotten complicated because of outside chatter.

The staffer reportedly felt uncomfortable and objectified after Edwards complimented her appearance and worried about possible retaliation if she reported the behavior. On one occasion in December 2024, Edwards asked her to leave the office early to help retrieve his credit card left at a Georgetown bar, then encouraged her to go drinking and repeatedly pressured her to take shots.

She eventually reported the behavior to the chief of staff, who spoke with Edwards. The staffer soon left the office. Edwards has denied ever having an inappropriate relationship with any staff member.

The announcement makes Edwards the latest member of Congress to face such accusations, coming at a time of heightened scrutiny of lawmakers’ conduct toward female staffers. It follows the resignations of two other representatives who faced calls for expulsion over similar issues.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters the allegations are serious. He said he had spoken briefly with Edwards, who maintained they are untrue, and that the process must play out regardless of party. Edwards’s campaign spokesman said the office welcomes the ethics review and is fully confident it will be demonstrated that the congressman has done nothing wrong.

The allegations include claims of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a staffer, which Edwards has refuted.

The statement was issued jointly by the committee chairman and ranking member. It emphasized the review is pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a) and covers possible violations of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard. The panel has not drawn any conclusions and stressed that opening an investigation carries no presumption of wrongdoing.

Such reviews typically involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and determining whether further action is warranted. Edwards, a two-term Republican from North Carolina, is married since 1980. The Washington Times reported that a handful of sources described remarkably personal interactions including one-on-one dinners and taking staffers on vacations, in addition to the drinking incidents.

The committee’s decision to publicly disclose the review is consistent with recent practice on high-profile matters involving members of Congress.